2002 Cadillac XLR vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata

To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Cadillac XLR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Cadillac XLR would be higher. At 4,570 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Cadillac XLR (316 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 515 kg more than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2002 Cadillac XLR (407 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2002 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2002 Cadillac XLR 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Make Cadillac Mazda
Model XLR MX-5 Miata
Year Released 2002 2010
Body Type Convertible Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4570 cc 2000 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 316 HP 167 HP
Engine RPM 6400 RPM 7000 RPM
Torque 407 Nm 190 Nm
Torque RPM 4400 RPM 5000 RPM
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1654 kg 1139 kg
Vehicle Length 4520 mm 3995 mm
Vehicle Width 1840 mm 1720 mm
Vehicle Height 1290 mm 1245 mm
Wheelbase Size 2690 mm 2329 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 68 L 48 L